Foster knew the deal. The Hokies recruited Hall and saw tapes of his record-setting career at Gretna High, where he produced 13,770 yards and two undefeated, state-championship seasons.

But in three seasons at Virginia, the undersized Hall (5-foot-9, 190 pounds) had played exclusively at cornerback. Until Saturday's regular-season finale.

Taking most of the snaps, all in shotgun, while turnover-prone Marc Verica watched, Hall ran for 109 yards on 16 carries. He scored both of the Cavaliers' touchdowns in a 17-14 defeat.

"I always dreamed about playing offense (again) at one point in time," Hall said.

"As you can see, Vic Hall's a great football player," Virginia coach Al Groh said. "To do that on a few days' worth of practice is unbelievable. … It was a pretty awesome performance on his part. … It has to be one of the best performances in the history of the series."

Citing Hall's size and value at cornerback, Groh long has resisted using him at quarterback. But after last week's 13-3 loss to Clemson, Groh believed the Cavaliers needed a spark.

Hall provided it instantly, running 14 yards on the game's second play and 40 yards for a touchdown moments later. He added a 16-yard touchdown and 39-yard run.

"I'm blessed to be a great athlete with the ball in my hands," Hall said.

But with only a week's worth of practices, Groh limited Hall to about six possible pass plays. Hall attempted two throws, one of which fell incomplete, one of which produced an interference penalty on Tech safety Kam Chancellor.

Foster was aware of Internet chatter that Hall would play some at quarterback, but he was surprised by the extent.

"We were able to adjust to what he was doing, and the rest is history," Foster said.

In addition to quarterback, Hall played defense in passing situations. He sacked Sean Glennon, forcing a fumble (Glennon recovered) in the process, and caught Tyrod Taylor from behind on Taylor's 73-yard run.

"I was up for it, all for it," Hall said of the double-duty.

And of the possible wear-and-tear?

"My body's fine," Hall said. "If I can walk and I can talk and I can move my fingers and toes, I feel I can play."

"There's no one on this team that the players and coaches believe in more than Vic Hall," Groh said. "He's got quickness, he's got eyes, he's got guts."